Celebrities lending their names to products is nothing new, but actress Sydney Sweeney is taking her latest endorsement to an entirely new level. On the heels of a now-viral ad, the “Euphoria” star is again partnering with soap brand Dr. Squatch to sell a limited edition line of bars infused with — wait for it — her bathwater. Here’s what else you need to know to Start Your Week Smart. Sunday spotlight Hurricane season is officially here, and — no surprise — it’s expected to be a busy one. Meanwhile, the federal government agencies responsible for forecasting and disaster relief are in turmoil. President Donald Trump has criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency as partisan, inefficient and unnecessary. He wants to shut it down and make states responsible. The National Weather Service is trying to fill more than 150 “critical” vacancies. The key question: Will Americans get help when they need it the most? 1️⃣ What to expect: Another above-average hurricane season is in store, with 13 to 19 named storms forecasted. Three to five of those may grow to major hurricanes of Category 3 or stronger. El Niño could change things. 2️⃣ FEMA chaos: Hundreds of workers have left the agency, including more than two dozen senior leaders — and further cuts are looming. 3️⃣ ‘Not ready’: Hurricane preparations have slowed to a crawl, and FEMA isn’t ready for the June 1 start to the season, an internal review found. The agency made a late push, but some worry it’s too little too late. 4️⃣ Help wanted: Layoffs, early retirements and preexisting vacancies have left the National Weather Service in dire shape. Meteorologists told CNN they’re concerned forecasts and life-saving warnings are not going to be issued in time. 🎧 Listen in: A former meteorologist explains why staffing shortages could threaten lives when disaster strikes. 5️⃣ Lessons from 2024: There was a major disaster declaration every four days last year. Hurricanes and tropical storms affected more Americans — nearly 80 million — than any other type of catastrophic event. Top headlines • Trump withdraws Jared Isaacman’s nomination to lead NASA ‘after a thorough review of prior associations’• Trans high school athlete wins two events at California finals in shadow of protests, Trump funding threats• CNN Poll: A record share of Americans want the government to get more done. Few trust either party to do it The week ahead MondayRussia last week proposed June 2 as the date for the next round of peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul. However, a top Ukrainian official says Russia has not yet provided a document outlining its vision of steps toward a ceasefire, despite an agreement to do so following a prisoner exchange in May. On Sunday, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that a Ukrainian delegation will attend the talks. TuesdayIf you’re a United Airlines customer who likes to cut things close, you may be in for a rude awakening. The carrier is changing its check-in deadline for domestic flights to 45 minutes before departure on June 3. That includes passengers with only carry-on bags, who previously had to check in a scant 30 minutes before the gate closed. Customers traveling internationally are required to check in at least 60 minutes before departure. It’s also the 100th anniversary of the first flight of the Goodyear blimp. On June 3, 1925, an airship built by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company named “Pilgrim” took to the skies over Akron, Ohio. WednesdayThe annual Hajj is set to begin today. On average, more than two million Muslims a year take part in the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Last year’s Hajj was marred by the deaths of nearly 500 pilgrims due to the sweltering heat. ThursdayA lunar lander named Resilience is scheduled to touch down on the moon. Built by Japan’s ispace, a private company, Resilience was launched in January and is currently orbiting the moon. It will be ispace’s second attempt at a successful lunar landing. Its first attempt ended in failure in 2023. FridayThe week wraps up with the monthly employment report for May. In its previous reading, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said the US economy added a surprisingly strong 177,000 jobs in April. Listen in One Thing: 🎧 RFK Jr.’s Covid-19 courseIn this episode of the “One Thing” podcast, CNN’s David Rind speaks with vaccine expert Dr. Paul Offit to break down recent changes around Covid-19 recommendations. Listen here. Photos of the week Russia launched a massive aerial assault on Ukraine over the weekend, targeting the capital and other regions with missiles and drones.It was the largest aerial assault in Russia’s three-year war on Ukraine. Russia has been intensifying its aerial bombardment of Ukraine as international pressure mounts on Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept a ceasefire proposal.“Each such terrorist attack by Russia is a sufficient reason for new sanctions against Russia. Russia is dragging out this war and continues to kill every day,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Telegram post on Sunday, May 25.“The world may go on vacation, but the war continues, despite weekends and weekdays. This cannot be ignored. America’s silence, and the silence of others in the world, only encourages Putin,” he continued.Later on Sunday, US President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Putin, saying, “We’re in the middle of talking, and he’s shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities.”Ukraine’s Air Force said 367 aerial attack weapons — 69 missiles and 298 drones — were launched across 22 locations in Ukraine overnight into Sunday. It added 47 of those missiles and 266 drones were intercepted.Here are some of the stories that made headlines over the past week, as well as some photos that caught our eye. Check out more images from the week that was, curated by CNN Photos. Sports + entertainment At a glance …The Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks 125-108 to win the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Finals in six games and advance to the franchise’s first NBA Finals since 2000. The Pacers will play the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Finals, which starts Thursday. For the second consecutive year, hockey fans will be treated to a Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers defeated the Dallas Stars 6-3 last Thursday to win Game 5 of the Western Conference Final and advance to the Cup. The Florida Panthers clinched their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance following a 5-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final last Wednesday. Game 1 of the rematch is set for Wednesday in Edmonton. Tommy Paul became the first American man since Andre Agassi in 2003 to reach the quarterfinals of the French Open after he beat Alexei Popyrin on Saturday. PSG wins long-awaited first Champions League trophy with 5-0 win over Inter Milan. During celebrations in France, more than 500 people were arrested by police and two people were reported dead. And the Belmont Stakes, the final leg in horse racing’s Triple Crown, is set for Saturday. Kentucky Derby-winner Sovereignty and Preakness-winner Journalism are expected to run. There will be no Triple Crown winner this year, however, as Sovereignty skipped the second leg to prepare for Belmont. For more of your favorite sports, head on over to CNN Sports as well as Bleacher Report, which — like CNN — is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. TV and streamingIn a Broadway first, CNN will air a live broadcast of George Clooney’s critically-acclaimed new play “Good Night and Good Luck” from Broadway’s Winter Garden Theater on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET across CNN, CNN International and streaming on CNN.com. In this landmark theatrical and live television event, two-time Academy Award winner and Tony Award-nominated actor George Clooney makes his Broadway debut as journalist Edward R. Murrow, showcasing his legendary, history-altering, on-air showdown with Sen. Joseph McCarthy. In theaters“The Phoenician Scheme” is the latest addition to writer/director Wes Anderson’s catalogue of quirky films. It features Benicio Del Toro, Mia Threapleton and Michael Cera. “Ballerina” stars Ana De Armas in a new entry in the “John Wick” universe. Guns, knives, swords, cleavers, axes, ice picks and flamethrowers will all be put to use in this tale of a revenge. “The Ritual” follows a all too familiar recipe: Take one possessed girl, one old priest, one young priest, add a heavy dose of exorcism — and shake well. Finally, “The Life of Chuck” is a life-affirming film based on (surprise!) Stephen King’s novella about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz. Benjamin Pajak, Jacob Tremblay and Tom Hiddleston portray the titular Chuck as he grows to an adult. Quiz time! Looking for a challenge to start your week? Take CNN’s weekly news quiz to see how much you remember from the week that was! So far, 7.3% of readers who took the quiz got a perfect score and 33% got eight or more questions right. How will you fare? Play me off … Happy Birthday to Morgan Freeman!Today is Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman’s 88th birthday. Please enjoy five minutes of one of the most soothing, yet authoritative voices you’ll ever hear. (Click here to view)
Start your week smart: Hurricane season, NASA nomination, Pacers defeat Knicks, United Airlines, Hajj
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Sydney Sweeney Partners with Dr. Squatch for Unique Soap Line Amid Active Hurricane Season Forecast"
CNN
6.7
TruthLens AI Summary
Actress Sydney Sweeney has taken her endorsement efforts to a unique level by collaborating with the soap brand Dr. Squatch to launch a limited edition line of soap bars infused with her bathwater. This unusual marketing strategy follows a viral advertisement featuring Sweeney, further showcasing the trend of celebrities endorsing products. In addition to this noteworthy partnership, the article highlights several significant events and developments to keep readers informed as they start their week. Notably, the hurricane season has officially commenced, and forecasts indicate it will be an active period, with predictions of 13 to 19 named storms, including three to five major hurricanes. However, there are concerns regarding the readiness of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which has faced criticism from President Donald Trump, who has labeled it as inefficient and suggested that states should take on greater responsibility for disaster management. An internal review has revealed that preparations for the hurricane season have not been adequately addressed, leaving many wondering if timely assistance will be available when needed most.
The article also touches on various other current events, including the impending peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, set to take place on June 2, despite ongoing tensions and a lack of communication regarding the specifics of the ceasefire. Additionally, United Airlines is implementing a new check-in policy that requires domestic passengers to check in 45 minutes before departure, a significant change from the previous 30-minute window. The article notes the commencement of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which draws millions of Muslims to Mecca, and highlights significant sports updates, including the Indiana Pacers' victory over the New York Knicks, advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. As the week progresses, readers are reminded of the various critical issues and events shaping the current landscape, emphasizing the importance of staying informed amidst a busy news cycle.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides a mix of current events, focusing primarily on the onset of hurricane season and the associated challenges faced by federal agencies. It also touches on unrelated topics like celebrity endorsements, which may seem to serve as a distraction from the more pressing issues at hand. This combination can shape public perception and may intend to highlight the chaos in disaster preparedness while engaging readers with lighter news.
Hurricane Preparedness and Federal Agency Issues
The report signals that the hurricane season will be particularly active, with forecasts suggesting a high number of storms. However, it raises serious concerns about the readiness of FEMA and the National Weather Service, highlighting staffing shortages and leadership turmoil. The mention of President Trump's criticisms further emphasizes the contentious political environment surrounding disaster management. This could create a sense of urgency among the public about the need for effective government action during a critical time.
Public Sentiment and Political Implications
The article seems to aim at generating awareness about the potential for inadequate disaster response, which could lead to public outcry for reform in federal disaster management policies. By juxtaposing the lighter news of celebrity endorsements with serious issues, it may invoke a sense of disbelief or frustration among readers regarding governmental inefficiency and the prioritization of entertainment over essential services.
Concealed Issues and Broader Context
There may be elements that the article does not explore in depth, such as the implications of cutting FEMA or the potential impacts on funding for disaster preparedness programs. The focus on celebrity news could serve to divert attention from these significant systemic issues, creating a narrative that oversimplifies complex political and logistical challenges faced by disaster response agencies.
Manipulative Elements and Reliability
The manipulation potential of this article lies in its choice to blend disparate topics, possibly diluting the seriousness of the hurricane season's implications. The language used suggests urgency but may also downplay the severity of the situation by contrasting it with lighter news. The overall reliability of the article hinges on its sourcing of information regarding FEMA and the National Weather Service, which requires further scrutiny for verification.
Impact on Society and Economy
Following this report, the potential for public concern to influence political action is significant. It could prompt discussions on funding for disaster management and preparedness initiatives. Economically, companies involved in storm preparedness, insurance, and recovery may see fluctuations based on public sentiment and government policy changes.
Target Audience and Community Reception
The article likely appeals to a broad audience, particularly those who are interested in both current events and popular culture. By merging these themes, it aims to engage readers who might otherwise overlook critical news about climate and disaster preparedness.
Market Reactions and Broader Implications
In financial markets, this article could potentially affect stocks related to disaster recovery, insurance, and emergency services. Companies like United Airlines, mentioned in the article context, may also feel indirect effects if travel plans are disrupted by hurricanes.
Global Context and Relevance
Although the primary focus is on domestic issues, the challenges faced by FEMA and the National Weather Service are reflective of broader global trends in disaster preparedness amid climate change. This news aligns with ongoing discussions about climate resilience and international responses to natural disasters.
Artificial Intelligence Influence
The writing style and structure suggest that some AI tools could have been used to frame the narrative efficiently. AI models might have influenced the choice of topics or the tone of certain sections to engage a specific audience. However, the extent of such influence remains speculative.
The article effectively blends lighter celebrity news with serious public safety issues, potentially skewing public perception of the urgency surrounding disaster preparedness. Its reliability is contingent on the accuracy of the information presented, particularly regarding federal agency readiness for the hurricane season.